Whitehead began his career with the Bucs and signed with the Jets after his rookie deal expired. He returned to Tampa Bay last season but only lasted one year on what could have been a two-year deal if the Bucs picked up his option. Whitehead missed time late in the season with a torn pec. Just as he was nearing a return, Whitehead got in a car accident and injured his neck, ending his season. Garafolo noted that he is expected to be recovered “well ahead of the season.” That recovery could delay a new contract, but Whitehead, only 27 years old, should be able to find another starting role elsewhere.

Now on the NFI list, Whitehead is required to miss at least four games, though Rapoport’s comments suggest even a deep playoff run would not be enough time for the veteran safety to return. Whitehead suffered a torn pec in Week 12 and was placed on injured reserve. The team had recently designated him to return from injured reserve and he was questionable for Week 18. Per Rapoport, Whitehead should be okay in the long term. His season ends with three pass breakups, two TFLs, and 79 combined tackles.

Whitehead, who was originally thought to be out for the season when he sustained his pec injury in late November, could return as soon as Week 17 against the Panthers. Tampa could also take their team and wait for Week 18 and the postseason, if they capture a playoff berth in the coming weeks. In 11 games this season, Whitehead — who signed with Tampa in the offseason — totaled 76 tackles, three pass breakups, and two tackles for loss. The struggling Bucs secondary could certainly use a healthy Whitehead.

It was reported Monday that Whitehead was lost for the season after sustaining a serious pec injury in Week 12 against the Giants. Garafolo said Whitehead might avoid surgery and has a shot to suit up again this year as the Bucs chase a postseason berth. The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud said Whitehead could avoid surgery on the injured pec. The short-term loss of Whitehead will be a blow for a Tampa coverage unit that has been among the league’s worst this season.